“Yes,” I said. “It certainly appears strange, for there can be no cause for secrecy now that the Baron is dead, even if some great financial transaction had been involved.”
“My master often received very queer visitors,” said Folcker. “Once he entertained two very strange-looking shabby individuals when he was at Aix-les-Bains with Mr. De Gex.”
“With Mr. De Gex!” I echoed. “Was the Baron a friend of his?”
“Yes, an intimate friend. They often had big deals together in which Count Chamartin, who lived in Madrid, participated.”
“Ah! That is distinctly interesting,” I said. “Did the Baron, when in London, visit Mr. De Gex at Stretton Street?”
“Frequently. They were mutually interested in the great Netherlands Shipping Combine about a year ago,” replied the valet.
“And you usually travelled with your master, I suppose?”
“Nearly always. We were frequently in Paris, Berlin, Rome, or Madrid, and naturally I learnt a good deal about his business. His most intimate friend was Mr. De Gex. Do you happen to know him?”
I gritted my teeth, and replied in the affirmative.